From the Kawasaki Racing Team Press Release:

After an enforced eight week lay off through injury, Hitoyasu Izutsu will make his return to the World Superbike Championship aboard the Fuchs Kawasaki ZX-7RR at Misano this weekend. The former Japanese Superbike Champion, who sustained a badly fractured wrist in a qualifying crash at the Sugo round of the championship back in April, tested in Japan last week before declaring himself fit to compete at Misano.

'I'm looking forward to getting back on the bike and racing again at Misano,' said Izutsu. 'It's been a long, hard two months, but everything felt fine during last week's test and I'm in pretty good shape for the weekend ahead. Of course, racing is completely different to testing but I'll be pushing just as hard at Misano as I was in the opening three rounds of the series.'

With Izutsu sidelined through injury Chris Walker has been the main four-cylinder threat to the V-twins over the last four rounds. Walker is currently the highest placed four-cylinder rider in the championship; a position he is determined to maintain at Misano.

'Misano is a pretty popular test track with all the teams, so I guess everyone is going to be on the pace from the word go this weekend,' said Walker. 'The bike seemed to go pretty well when we tested here, but the most important thing was that the test gave me a chance to learn my way around the circuit. I've had to learn too many tracks during free practice sessions this year, so it will be good to race at one of the few circuits I'm familiar with this weekend. The fact that Izutsu is back from injury is also a bonus, although if he thinks I'm going to relinquish my position as the top four-cylinder rider without a fight, then he's in for a shock...'